Evaluation of Total Thyroidectomy with Prophylactic Central Neck Dissection as an Alternative to Total Thyroidectomy Alone in Clinically Node-Negative Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background: PTC is the most popular form of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Total thyroidectomy is the preferredprocedure for all PTC. In spite of CND is performed for clinically nodal-positive patients, it still controversial incases with clinically negative nodes.Aim of work: The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of recurrence and complications of TT onlywith TT plus pCND in patients with clinically negative L.N and PTC.Patients and methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the General Surgery Department at AinShams University Hospitals. The study involved 40 diagnosed cases of PTC with clinically node-negative disease,all of which were operated on between January 2021 and January 2023.Results: The incidence of complications was similar in both groups. The rate of temporary recurrent laryngealnerve injury was 5% in both groups. The rate of transient hypocalcemia was 5% in the TT only group and 10% inthe TT with pCND group. Additionally, the rate of permanent hypocalcemia was 0% in the TT only group, while itwas 5% in the TT with pCND group. pCND does not significantly reduce the local recurrence risk in cases of PTC.Conclusion: Total thyroidectomy with pCND in clinically node-negative disease was not associated with increasein postoperative complications, in spite of having a longer operation time compared to total thyroidectomy withoutpCND. However, 40% of cases who performed total thyroidectomy with pCND were found to have lymph nodemetastasis.